Fishing From Breakwater: You don't need a license for recreational fishing from the Breakwater. Selling fish without a commercial permit is prohibited, however. Fishing gear is according to your preference. You can catch fish with a simple handline purchased locally from Moose Island Marine or S. L. Wadsworth's, but most fishermen use regular rods and reels. Bring your own or buy one at Wadsworth's. The fish aren't particular. A shiny hook such as a mackerel jig will work fine. Because of the currents and the depth, you may want some extra weight on your line. Bait is usually not necessary.
Fishing seems to be best when the tide is flowing, from half tide to high tide, and for two or three hours after high tide when the tide is first ebbing. Some say that slack tide is best. Any weather is good: sunny, warm, cloudy, cool, foggy. Watch to see how many seagulls are in the bay and whether or not they seem to be catching fish. The gulls may also just be floating around, obviously stuffed from too many fish and other marine creatures. They'll tell you a lot about fishing and about Eastport. You'll easily see when the diehard fishermen arrive and leave. Most will let you in on their secrets. It's fun to take a count of out-of-state license plates. They're from everywhere.
There is no limit to the size or number of mackerel you are allowed. There is a limit of 6 pollock under 19" per person per day. No limit for ones over 19". Both are yummy cooked over a grill. Pollock can be used alone or with other seafood in chowder.
Fishing with Grampa: Whether you are a grandfather, uncle, or father, if there is a pre-teen (boy or girl) in your life, these can be the most memorable hours that each of you spends in Eastport. A fishing rod isn't necessary, but it can be an important part of this experience. Some kind of container is a necessity, however. It can be fancy or plain. Some children will prefer a Ziploc bag that will fit in the pocket; others like a colander or strainer that allows for washing collected treasures at the beach; others want a pail and shovel from the store. Be certain that you have the Ziplocs in your pocket for the first trip.
Since Eastport is Moose Island, there is a beach in every direction. If you can walk hand-in-hand with your pre-teen to a beach, this can be an integral part of the experience. However, you can make a ride in the car to a beach just as memorable. Talking and teaching the basics of life at the seashore should be the emphasis. Fishing side-by-side at the beach invites many opportunities for exploring the ocean sights, the skies, and the materials on the beach. While the child will be intrigued by your knowledge, listen to the child's questions and impressions of the day. The child will cherish this quality time for many years.
Our grandson fishes, continually scanning the water for boats, while Grampa searches nearby for the perfect skipping rocks. By the end of a week, he knew the name and function of many of the boats in the area. He was becoming adept at skipping rocks and had collected a variety of treasures to show his friends. Most importantly, he had spent a number of hours learning about the ocean and sharing with Grampa. The memories are priceless.
Harris Fishing Trips: A Harris family owned charter fishing boat, the Quoddy Dam, leaves most mornings around 8 a.m. from the Breakwater. A number of fishermen (women and kids, too) enjoy the next four hours or so fishing, usually in Friar Roads. Call 853-4303 or 853-2500 for reservations. All fishing gear and bait is provided. Bring a container for your fish. Anything from a cooler to a plastic bag will be fine. Bring along drinks and snacks. Binoculars are always nice. Enjoy the scenery.
If you have your own boat, the surrounding waters provide an excellent area for fishing. No license is required for recreational salt-water fishing. Limits are generous for private recreational anglers. Cod and haddock must be a minimum of 21" but you can possess a combined total of ten of them. In federal waters, pollock must be 19", but in Maine waters you can possess 6 pollock under 19" per person. Flounder should be 13" with no limit. There is no limit on size or number of mackerel. In Canadian waters the limits may vary. Most people use rod and reel or handlines, but fish may be legally taken by speargun, harpoon, or hand dip net. If you are new to the area, you should check with the U.S. Coast Guard [EMERGENCY: 207-853-2845; Non-Emergency: 207-853-4544] to ensure that you understand the tides, the currents, the ever changing weather and the charts of the area before leaving shore. The Coast Guard is most helpful. Be safe!
Eastport, Maine: Easternmost City in the U.S.A.
Send comments to: susan@amitycomputer.com |
Visit: Amity Computer |